"Don't cut the future!" is the motto of the campaign launched this Friday, April 5, at the airports of Faro, Lisbon and Porto, with the aim of raising awareness of the consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM) on the well-being of girls and women, including serious repercussions in terms of physical and psychological health.
This campaign continues the Government's work with organizations and professionals to eradicate FGM.
Preventing and combating harmful traditional practices, namely FGM and child, early and forced marriages is one of the strategic objectives of the Action Plan for the Prevention and Combat of Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, which is part of the National Strategy for Equality and Non-Discrimination 2018-2030 – Portugal + Equal.
The campaign, which will run at national airports until 21 April, during the Easter school holidays – a time of particular risk – is promoted by the Secretary of State for Citizenship and Equality, by the Commission for Citizenship and Equality of Gender and by the High Commission for Migration, in partnership with ten civil society organizations: Associação Corações com Coroa; Guinea-Bissau Student Association in Lisbon; AJPAS – Association for Community Intervention, Social Development and Health; Association of Sons and Friends of Farim; Women Without Borders Association; Association for Family Planning; INMUNE – Institute of Black Women in Portugal; R&D Factor – Association for Cooperation on Population and Development; Alternative and Response Women's Union; and the National Committee for the Abandonment of Practices Harmful to the Health of Women and Children, from Guinea-Bissau. The graphics were conceived by designer Neusa Trovoada, from INMUNE – Instituto da Mulher Negra in Portugal.
FGM is a violation of human rights based on gender inequality, limiting the self-determination of girls and women and depriving them of their right to physical and psychological integrity. FGM, as well as preparatory acts, are a crime under the Penal Code in Portugal.
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